“You would give me a name I can’t pronounce in front of all these folks,” Patterson Harris laughed.

The remainder of the event went smoothly, with the councilwoman’s passion for protecting the children of Lubbock shining through.

The City Council’s proclamation recognized Upbring’s Foster In Texas (FIT) program. In 2016, FIT connected 118 Lubbock-area children with foster families who said “yes” to giving a child a safe, loving home.

Kurt was joined by Upbring board member L. Wood Franklin, who has a personal, lifelong connection with our mission.

“Not only am I a board member, but I was actually adopted through Upbring,” Wood said. “So, they’ve given me a wonderful family to be part of. Upbring has been part of my entire life, and I love it.”

Wood’s father, Larry, served on Upbring’s board for 15 years. His mother, Mary Lee, served on a local Upbring advisory board. She also made the trip to City Hall.

“Mary Lee is a volunteer extraordinaire. She is the life and heart of our organization on the South Plains,” Kurt said.

He went on to highlight two other Upbring services that directly impact lives in the Lubbock community.

Last year, Upbring Neighborhood House delivered emergency assistance for food, utilities and other essentials to 16,674 people. And Upbring Health for Friends Clinic provided free health care to nearly 1,415 people who could not afford health insurance.

By walking alongside families during difficult times, Upbring helps them focus on creating better lives for their children. Ultimately, we take another step toward our mission to break the cycle of child abuse.

“This is something an organization cannot do alone,” Kurt said. “It takes a public-private partnership with the City of Lubbock and our amazing supporters on the South Plains. Collectively, we will break the cycle of child abuse.”

At Upbring, we recognize that children enter the system at different stages of their lives and due to varying life events. Because the types of abuse and neglect vary among children, we are committed to raising the standards and addressing the entire spectrum.

Upbring will accomplish this through an innovative continuum of services and community partnerships, each tracking progress against markers of safety, life skills, education, health and vocation, all of which are critical to breaking the cycle of child abuse.

Strategic Partner - Foundation Communities

We know that foster care placement is 34 times higher for families experiencing homelessness than the general population of same aged children. We know that more than 1 in 5 youth who age out of foster care will become homeless after 18.

Foster families are eligible to apply for financial assistance (based on individual locations).

Join their team! The Y is hiring, with lots of flexible part-time opportunities!

Strategic Partner - Phoenix House

Health. We know that children of parents with substance abuse disorders are 3 times more likely to be abused and 4 timesmore likely to be neglected, making a holistic approach to treatment and recovery optionsthat incorporate family services essential. (Learn more about Phoenix House here.)

Outpatient treatment with individual, group and family counseling for teens struggling withdrug/alcohol abuse.

Strategic Partner - Dell Children's

Health. We know that experiencing multiple traumatic childhood events – being removed from family – and toxic stress are determinants of lifelong disparities in physical and mental health. Access to high-quality, trauma-informed, integrated health care is critical.(Learn more about Dell Children’s programs here)